CC (F II, 8)
TO M. CAELIUS RUFUS (AT ROME)
ATHENS, 6 JULY
What! Do you suppose that I meant you to send
me an account of gladiatorial matches, of
postponements of trials, of robberies by Chrestus,
and such things as, when I am at Rome, nobody
ventures to retail to me? See what a high opinion
I have of you—and not, indeed,
undeservedly, for I have never yet known anyone
with keener political instincts—I don't
care for your writing to me even the daily
occurrences in the most important affairs of the
state, unless there is something specially
affecting myself. Other people will write about
them ; many will convey news of them: common
report itself will bring many of them to my ears.
Therefore it is not things past or present that I
expect from you, but things to come—for
you are a man who sees far in front of
you—so that, having got a view of the
ground plan of the Republic from your pen, I may
satisfy myself as to what the future building is
to be. As yet, however, I have no fault to find
with you ; for it is impossible for you to see
farther than any one of us, and especially myself,
who have spent several days with Pompey in
conversation exclusively political, which neither
can nor ought to be committed to writing. Only
take this as certain, that Pompey is an admirable
citizen, and prepared in courage and wisdom alike
to meet every contingency that needs to be
provided against in the political situation.
Wherefore devote yourself to him: he will receive
you, believe me, with open arms. For he takes the
same view, as we ever do, as to who are good and
bad citizens. After spending exactly ten days in
Athens, and having seen a great deal of our friend
Caninius Gallus, 1
I am starting on my journey today,
the 6th of July, the day on which I send you this
letter. All interests of mine I desire to have the
benefit of your greatest attention, but nothing
more so than that the time of my provincial
government should not be extended. That is all in
all to me. When, how, and by whose means this is
to be worked, you will settle best for yourself.
ATHENS, 6 JULY
